It seems to us Mr. Q. writes a little unkindly, but perhaps we deserve
it. In a matter of so much importance there should be no arguing, and no
strife. Even should there be a test trial of the two hives, made by two
experts, the result would be of little use to our rising bee-keepers.
The question is, how will the people at large succeed best. At present
we really know of no better way than for those who are undecided, to try
one hive of each kind; what suits your neighbor exactly, may not suit
you. Our having the Corners for sale, should make no difference in our
opinion, and we try not to let it, but we cannot help wondering if Capt.
Hetherington has ever tried a hive with these Corners.
In the _Am. Agriculturist_ for Feb., the Quinby hive is described with
illustrations. The frame differs a little from the one we described last
month, in having the top bar also, dropped a little below the ends of
the side pieces; also, the top and bottom bars are both alike and
lighter. Dimensions there given are, uprights, 11×1½×½. Top and bottom,
18⅜×⅜, cut from inch boards. Ends are nailed firmly with finishing nails
into top and bottom but projecting beyond them as has been mentioned, ¼
inch. The hoop iron hooks to hold the frames in an upright position, if
they be used, can probably be bought cheaper of Mr. Q. than they can be
made. The sides and top of the hive are made of ½ inch boards, planed
smoothly, just the size of the frames, with cleats nailed on each end to
prevent warping. The bottom board is 11×20×1, also cleated on under side
to prevent warping. Mr. Q. says tie all together with a stout rubber
cord, but it seems to us this cannot prove a very durable fastening.
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